Services held for Charles W. Avery, 91

Charles W. Avery, 91, of Inlet and formerly of Auburn, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Fish Memorial in Debary, FL, following a long illness.

Born on March 28, 1920, he was the son of the late Floyd M. Avery and Annie (Rhodes) Avery.

Charles graduated from Auburn High School and continued his undergraduate, law degree and ROTC at Cornell University.

World War II disrupted his education, when he became an ROTC commissioned officer in the Army Infantry. During his service, Charles fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

He was captured twice by the Germans and freed at the end of the war. During this time, Charles developed a great inner strength that carried him throughout his life.He came back from war and was treated for injuries sustained during his capture. While in the hospital, Charles met his first wife, Ruth Wilson, who was his nurse.

Following his recovery, he returned to Cornell, to complete his law degree. After graduation, Charles and Ruth were married.

Charles spent most of his law career in Auburn, NY, where he was Auburn City judge, assistant district attorney and retired as district attorney.

Following his retirement, Charles continued an active private practice. During his law career, Charles was active in the National Guard, eventually becoming Commander of the local Armory, 106 Battalion, retiring as a Colonel.

Throughout his life, Charles was an active member of several legal, military and community organizations.

Some of those organizations include the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, National Rifle Association, Elks Club, Torch Club, Kiwanis Club, and the Masons. Charles was also an active amateur radio enthusiast.

In 1967, he married Evelyn Durgala. They were together for over 15 years.

In the mid-eighties, Charles met Helen Rider, who became his constant companion and wife.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wives, Ruth Wilson and Evelyn Durgala; his brother, Rowland Avery; and his nephew, David Avery.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Avery of Inlet; his son, Peter Avery and his wife, Helen “H” of Albany; his four step-children, Paul Rider and his wife, Nancy, Nancy Burke and her husband, Dan, Linda Rider and Richard Rider; his sister-in-law, Hildegard Avery of Atlanta, GA; his nieces, Mary Ann Avery of MD and Karen Lee Avery of Atlanta, GA; and several step-grandchildren.

Graveside services with full military honors were held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Stillwater.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ memory may be made to the Tragedy Association Program for Survivors (TAPS) National Headquarters, 1777 F Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC, 20006.

Online condolences may be to carletonfuneralhome@gmail.com.

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